Can I Use Floor Leveling Compound on a Wood Subfloor?

Leveling Compound

• Leveling compound is a cement-based product that is useful in leveling either concrete or wood subfloors before the installation of any type of flooring. The product evens out low spots in the subfloor but does not add stability to the floor. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the subfloor is solid and stable in addition to providing a level surface.

Floor Preparation

• Wood subflooring should be at least ¾-inch thick, stable and clean, in addition to being level. If the floor squeaks when you walk across it, you need to screw the subflooring down to the joists in those squeaky areas. Remove loose nails or screws, check for moisture damage or rot and replace flooring as needed. Leveling compound will not adhere to a dirty subfloor. Remove paint, sealer and adhesives by sanding the floor and vacuum up dirt and debris. Leveling compound adheres best to a slightly damp surface. Damp mop the floor when you are ready to apply the compound.

Low Spots

• A wood subfloor should be level and uniform within 3/16-inch in a 6-foot radius for a successful flooring installation. To determine if the subfloor has low spots, run a straight edge or level over the surface. Mark areas that are lower than 3/16-inch. Sand down high spots with an edger or orbital sander. Use leveling compound to fill in low spots.

Leveling the Floor

• Once you prepare the floor and identify the low spots, you are ready to mix the leveling compound. The product sets quickly -- in 10 to 20 minutes -- so be prepared to spread it as soon as you mix it. Mixing the compound with cold water helps to extend the setting time. When ready, the compound will be the consistency of thin pancake batter. Pour the compound into the low areas that you marked and spread it quickly with a trowel. Do not add additional water to thin the product, as that will affect the stability of the substance. You need to wash the bucket and tools as soon as you finish applying the compound, before it hardens on them.